Is Solgaleo GX an ultra rare Pokémon card?

The short answer is yes – Solgaleo GX is considered an ultra rare card in the Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG). Its rarity symbol, pull rates, and market value solidify it as a highly desirable and difficult-to-obtain card.

Ultra rare cards like Solgaleo GX are serious pulls that every collector and TCG player dreams of opening in a pack. But just how rare and valuable is Solgaleo GX compared to other coveted ultra rares? Let‘s take a comprehensive look.

What makes Solgaleo GX an ultra rare card?

Solgaleo GX first appeared in the Sun & Moon base set as card #89/149. In the bottom right corner, it has the iconic ultra rare symbol – a combination of a star and the letters UR.

This immediately signifies its status as an ultra rare card. The TCG defines ultra rares as:

• Having pull rates of no more than 1 in every 6 packs
• More powerful and complex abilities than typical cards
• Special texture, foil finishes, and visual treatments

With roughly 1 in 6 Sun & Moon packs containing an ultra rare, and 13 different ultra rares in the set, pulling a specific one like Solgaleo GX becomes very unlikely. Its flashy textured finish and powerful ability also cement its ultra rare credentials.

How does Solgaleo GX compare competitively to other ultra rares?

In addition to its rarity, Solgaleo GX has seen meta relevance thanks to its ability Sunsteel Strike.

For 1 energy, it deals 180 damage and makes Solgaleo immune to damage from your opponent‘s Pokémon EX and GX. This combination of high damage and defensive utility has made it a viable threat.

Solgaleo has been featured in successful competitive decks alongside other powerhouses like Metagross GX and Necrozma GX. However, it has not reached the staple status of some other Sun & Moon ultra rares:

• Tapu Lele GX: Its ability to search out Supporter cards shaped the format. An auto-include in almost every deck.

• Charizard GX: A consistent major threat capable of massive damage. Central to many winning strategies.

• Greninja GX: Its Giant Water Shuriken provided early pressure that could sweep the late game. Dominated tournaments for a time.

While not on the level of these format-warping cards, Solgaleo GX earned its place in the upper tiers of the Sun & Moon ultra rare power rankings.

What is the market value of Solgaleo GX?

As an ultra rare from the first Sun & Moon set, even regular copies of Solgaleo GX carry a respectable market value:

• Regular copies tend to sell for $15-25 in near mint condition.
• The alternate full art version sells for $25-40.
• The secret rare rainbow rare commands $40-60 as a very limited chase card.

By comparison, less competitively viable ultra rares from the set like Umbreon GX, Espeon GX, and Lunala GX tend to sell for under $20.

As you can see, Solgaleo‘s playability and desirability translate to real market value above most ultra rares.

But prices always depend on condition. A lightly played or damaged copy will sell for far less than near mint. Here‘s a quick condition guide for Solgaleo GX:

How rare and valuable are related cards like Lunala GX?

As ultra rares tied lore-wise to Solgaleo, Lunala GX and Solgaleo & Lunala GX also boast ultra rare status. Here is how they compare:

• Lunala GX – Found in the same set with similar playability. Sells for around the same prices as Solgaleo GX in regular, full art, and rainbow rare versions.

• Solgaleo & Lunala GX – A dual card ultra rare only found in the Cosmic Eclipse set. Lower availability makes it worth $20-35 in regular form and $50-70 as a rainbow rare.

Overall, Lunala GX and Solgaleo & Lunala GX are comparable to Solgaleo GX in rarity and value. All 3 are noteworthy pulls.

How much are the special golden versions of Solgaleo GX worth?

Solgaleo GX received specialty "shining" treatments as part of the Shining Legends set. These golden color variants are even harder to obtain:

• The Shining Solgaleo GX rainbow rare sells for an impressive $80-120 in mint condition.

• The similar radiant Shining Solgaleo GX full art sells for around $50-80.

These premium golden Solgaleo cards were only found in Shining Legends products rather than main booster packs. Their exclusivity and stunning artwork make them highly sought after by collectors.

Why is Solgaleo so appealing and valuable to collectors?

As a Legendary Pokémon tying into Sun & Moon‘s lore and protagonists, Solgaleo resonates strongly with fans of the games. And its lion-like design attracts collectors.

Personally, I‘m drawn to Solgaleo‘s protective astrological theme. The Sun and stars are beautifully incorporated into its mane and armor. Visually, it has an almost angelic vibe, reinforced by its Steel/Psychic elemental type.

When you admire the gorgeous card art and imagine pulling one in a pack, it‘s no wonder Solgaleo GX has become so coveted among Pokémon TCG fans. It‘s certainly deserving of its ultra rare status.

Final thoughts

Solgaleo GX checks every box:

• Ultra rare pull rates below 1 in 6 packs
• Competitively viable ability and matchups
• Stunning and iconic artwork
• Market value higher than most ultra rares from its set
• Special status as a cover Legendary Pokémon

So if you manage to add this majestic lion to your collection, cherish it! Solgaleo GX exemplifies what makes ultra rares so special.